12/1/09

For a barrel of taste, roll out this barrel!

While visiting my family last week over Thanksgiving, I had my first sampling of Goose Island Bourbon County Stout. The inviting aroma of this seasonal brew and its creamy, smooth taste — with an intense taste of chocolate, charred oak, vanilla, caramel and smoke — immediately won me over. I absolutely loved it!

My stout was from the 2008 batch, which sported a white label. I noticed from Goose Island's Web site that the label on the 2009 batch is black.

You've got to try this beer. It's almost like cognac, in that it has to be sipped. The Web site claims it goes well with cigars.

I don't do cigars, but I can tell you it went great with an insanely decadent piece of chocolate torte, during a chilly Georgia evening in front of a blazing fireplace. Cheers!